Child Observation No. 4 Pretend Play

Child Observation No. 4

Pretend Play

User notes

Contents

Aims of the film and its use..............................3

1 "Isobelle cleans up" 20 months

2 "Angus feeds dolly" 20 months

3 "Joanne's tea party" 2.5 years

4 "The dancing class" 3 years

5 "Harley gets dinner" 4 years

6 "Two play mums & dads" 3.5 & 4 years

7 "Cats & dogs"

3.5 & 4 years

8 "Gladiators"

4 & 5.5 years

9 "The factory office" 3.5 & 4 years

10 "Orphans"

4.5, 5.5 & 7 years

11 "The journey"

4.5, 5.5 & 7 years

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References & further reading.............................23

Aims of the film and its use

Pretend play, sometimes also referred to as fantasy, symbolic or role play, is generally seen as being especially important for the development of children's thinking. Here we present sequences of children's pretend play from 20 months to 7 years to show its general development. Most theorists and experts agree that pretense is a main element in much of the play for that age group, with extensive links to learning and development.

Pretend play involves being a symbol user, where one thing stands for another, and helps humans to think beyond the here and now. It encourages children to think in abstract ways and allows them to imagine. The ability to imagine allows them to experience and respond creatively to ideas, feelings and relationships.

Pretend play starts once the toddler is able to symbolise. The play is initially very simple and usually involves pretending with an object. At around three years, children begin to develop pretend games with their peers. This stage of pretend play is often referred to as socio-dramatic play and involves simple role play, gradually becoming more complex and sustained.

The dvd sequences showing examples of pretend play are presented in order of age, from 20 months to 7 years.

For each sequence we provide:

A brief description:

A short description of the sequence and it's salient features

Good for looking at:

Examples of: specific aspects and developmental stages of pretend play associated learning and development

Transcript:

A transcript of the language is provided for the sequences where children's language is a major part of the sequence

Discussion:

Suggestions of relevant issues and starting points for discussions related to the sequence

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1 "Isobelle cleans up"

3 mins 20 months A brief description:

Twins, Isobelle and Angus, are playing at home looked after by their mum. Isobelle has found some paper tissues. She begins carefully cleaning different objects around the room imitating domestic activity. She makes speech like sounds with conversational intonations as she talks to herself about what's happening. The decipherable words she says are "that's good". She appears absorbed and happy.

Good for looking at:

Solitary play, with objects Early stages of pretend play, using simple pretend actions that involve other objects Language development, talks to her self and beginning to use two word combinations Fine motor skills, cleans objects carefully with tissue

Discussion:

Think about the way Isobelle is learning to make sense of the adult world. What is Isobelle learning? How might you extend her learning opportunities following her interests?

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